
Web Development
Web Development
High‑performance WordPress development for growing businesses
Let’s build a site that actually drives results—not just one that looks good. With custom, hand‑coded WordPress (no page builders or bloated themes), we design and develop a site that reflects your brand and goals, runs fast, stays secure, and scales as you grow. Your team gets an intuitive editing experience they can manage with confidence—and you get a partner who’s invested in your long‑term success. Ready to see what’s possible? Book a quick consult and we’ll outline the approach, timeline, and clear estimate.
What you can count on
- Speed that meets Core Web Vitals and helps conversions and SEO
- Security hardening and clean, maintainable code your team won’t fight with
- Room to grow for new features, traffic spikes, and integrations
- Accessibility built in (WCAG‑minded from design through QA)
- An intuitive editor with custom blocks and patterns so non‑technical users can publish without breaking layouts
Work with us directly as your web presence manager, or add us as a dependable development partner for your branding or creative team. We’re St. Louis–based and support clients locally and nationwide, with clear communication and zero fluff.
Book a consultation (15 minutes to see if we’re a fit)
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See our work
Prefer to talk now? Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com.
Next, explore what we build: custom themes, performance work, ongoing management, AI integrations, and social programs that bring people back to your site.
What we build
From new builds to long‑term care, we engineer WordPress that’s fast, secure, and easy for your team to run. If you’re exploring options, grab a quick 15‑minute fit call and we’ll outline what’s realistic for your goals and budget. Here’s what we build and support:
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Custom WordPress themes and block libraries (Gutenberg/Block Editor)
Fully hand‑coded themes. No page builders. Branded, lightweight themes with block libraries and patterns so editors can assemble pages quickly without breaking design or performance. Want to see how this replaces your current builder? Ask for a short demo.
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Performance engineering (Core Web Vitals, speed budgets, code hygiene)
Speed budgets set up front. Lightweight code, server‑side caching, optimized media/CDN, and preloading strategies. Goal: pass Core Web Vitals on mobile with clean, maintainable code. We can run a quick performance snapshot and prioritize the top wins—see our approach to performance optimization and caching.
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Security hardening and compliance (policies, monitoring, backups)
Least‑privilege access, 2FA, WAF/firewall, update cadences, uptime/security monitoring, and tested backup/restore policies with offsite retention. Start with a baseline security check and backup verification—our managed hosting and maintenance keeps these controls tight.
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Accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA–aligned patterns and testing)
Semantic markup, focus management, contrast checks, keyboard navigation, and automated plus manual screen‑reader testing in QA. We’ll provide an actionable findings list and a clear remediation plan.
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Migrations and rebuilds (from legacy WP or other CMSs)
Structured content mapping and redirect plans to preserve SEO. Media cleanup and launch checklists for moves from legacy WordPress, Drupal, Wix, or Squarespace. We manage staging, redirects, and cutover to minimize downtime and ranking loss.
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Ecommerce with WooCommerce and payments
Custom product types, subscriptions, tax/shipping logic, and gateways like Stripe, Authorize.net, and PayPal. Built for speed and conversion. We’ll review your checkout flow and site speed for potential conversion lifts.
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Integrations and APIs (CRM, marketing automation, SSO, search)
Salesforce/HubSpot sync, Marketo/Mailchimp, SSO via OAuth/SAML, ERP/PIM connectors, webhooks, and site search with Algolia/Elasticsearch. Bring your stack—we’ll map the data and own the integration. Explore our business process automation approach.
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AI integrations (chatbots, content/workflow automation, data insights)
On‑brand chat assistants, AI‑assisted content workflows (drafting, tagging, QA), smarter site search, and analytics summaries. Built with privacy and governance in mind. Start with a low‑risk pilot and clear guardrails—see our custom AI chatbot setup.
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Social media management tied to site goals (content, scheduling, engagement, analytics)
Editorial planning, creative production, scheduling, community engagement, and UTM‑based reporting to show social’s impact on traffic and conversions. We’ll align channels to site goals and report what actually moves the needle—learn about our AI‑assisted social content.
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Technical SEO and analytics foundations
Schema markup, XML sitemaps, canonical/robots control, redirect hygiene, Core Web Vitals, GA4/GTM setup, Search Console, consent banners, and event tracking. If your analytics are messy, we’ll clean them up and standardize events—yes, we can set up Google Analytics and other tracking tools.
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Training and documentation for your team
Live training and role‑based guides, plus short video walkthroughs and clear release notes so your staff can update content with confidence. New hires get up to speed fast with evergreen docs.
Not sure if you need a fully custom WordPress build? Next, we’ll outline when a custom approach makes sense and when a simpler setup is enough. Prefer to talk it through now? Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com for a quick recommendation.
When custom WordPress is the right choice
Custom WordPress makes sense when your site is harder to manage than it should be and performance is hurting results. If you’re fighting your tools or watching conversions slip, a custom build can reset the foundation. Not sure yet? Send your URL for a quick, no‑pressure site check: jc@stlcodescape.com or 314-657-7421.
Signs you’ve outgrown templates and page builders
- Slow pages and inconsistent load times, especially on mobile
- Plugin sprawl: dozens of add‑ons to cover basic needs, frequent conflicts, update anxiety
- Editor friction: layouts break easily, content changes need a “power user,” or the site depends on a single builder plugin
- Poor Core Web Vitals (failing LCP/CLS/INP) that hurt SEO and conversions — see our take on performance optimization and caching
- Security incidents or repeated downtime tied to outdated themes/plugins — consider our managed hosting and maintenance
If two or more of these sound familiar, it’s probably time to explore custom. We’ll talk through options, cost, and low‑risk ways to phase the work.
What a custom build delivers
- Lean code and fewer dependencies, built for the features you need, not a thousand you don’t
- A UX that reflects your brand and guides users to the right actions
- Safer, simpler editing with custom blocks/patterns so anyone on your team can update content without breaking design
- A scalable architecture ready for growth (multisite, custom post types, role‑based workflows, APIs)
- Lower long‑term cost: fewer licenses, fewer breakages, faster updates, and a cleaner codebase
Want to see how editing works in practice? We can demo the editor and our build approach in a short screen share.
When a template may be enough
- Very simple brochure sites (a handful of pages, minimal interactivity)
- Short‑term campaign or event microsites with a clear end date
- Early idea validation where speed and budget matter more than customization
If this is you, we’ll say so and can still help you configure a lightweight theme that won’t paint you into a corner.
What drives cost and timeline
- Functional complexity: ecommerce, memberships, advanced search/filters, calculators, multilingual, or multisite networks
- Integrations and data flows: CRMs, ERPs, marketing automation, DAM/PIM, custom APIs, SSO
- Content scope: number of page types, templates, and the effort to migrate/clean content
- Design depth and UX polish: custom interactions, accessibility requirements, animation, and microcopy
- Compliance and security: ADA/WCAG, privacy (GDPR/CCPA), audits, and hardening
- Timeline pressure: compressed schedules increase parallel work and QA needs
Share your goals and must‑haves, and we’ll come back with a clear, phased estimate and timeline options.
Expected outcomes
- Faster load times and passing Core Web Vitals (for example, sub‑2.5s LCP and stable CLS), improving SEO and conversions
- Cleaner admin and publishing workflows your team will actually use
- Reduced maintenance risk with far fewer plugins and safer updates
- A site that scales as you add features, traffic, and content without a rebuild
We’ll baseline performance before we start and measure improvements at launch so you can see the impact.
If this sounds right, here’s how we plan, build, and launch with a clear, step‑by‑step process. Or, if you’d rather talk it through, start with a 15‑minute fit call at 314-657-7421 or jc@stlcodescape.com.
How we work
Our process keeps risk low and momentum high. You get a single point of contact, weekly status updates, and go/no‑go checkpoints before we move to the next phase—so you’re never surprised on scope, timeline, or budget. Want to see what this looks like for your team? Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com for a quick walkthrough.

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Discovery and planning
We align on business goals, priority audiences, and success metrics (qualified leads, form completion rate, Core Web Vitals targets). We audit existing content and SEO, gather technical requirements (integrations, compliance, hosting), and surface risks and dependencies.
Deliverables: brief, KPI baseline, scope outline, timeline, and RACI. Outcome: clear priorities and a plan you can share with stakeholders. Prefer a fixed proposal before we proceed? We can lock one after this step.
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Architecture
We define the information architecture and sitemap, content model (custom post types, taxonomies, relationships), and a component/block strategy for the editor. We also set performance and accessibility budgets (LCP under 2.5s, CLS under 0.1, INP under 200ms, WCAG 2.2 AA).
Deliverables: annotated IA, content schema, block inventory, budget document. Result: a scalable structure that’s fast, accessible, and easy to maintain.
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Design collaboration
We can implement from your designer or agency’s Figma files or provide UI support where needed. We agree on implementation standards, motion/interaction specs, and acceptance criteria for each component and template. Have no design partner? We can help with web‑first design support to move confidently into build.
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Build
We hand‑code a custom WordPress theme with clean PHP/JS/CSS, custom Gutenberg blocks/patterns, and minimal dependencies. Modern tooling (Git, code reviews, linters, CI, staging deploys) keeps quality high. Expect iterative demos in a password‑protected staging site every 1–2 weeks. Invite your team to test early and often—feedback here saves time later.
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QA
We test the flows that matter. Functional checks, browser/device coverage (current Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge; iOS/Android), and breakpoint reviews. We enforce budgets with Lighthouse/WebPageTest and run accessibility tests using automated tools plus manual keyboard/screen reader checks. Anything failing a budget or acceptance criterion is fixed before sign‑off. No surprises at launch.
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Content migration and redirects
We inventory and map content, migrate or import with cleanup (headings, media, internal links), optimize images, and add structured data where appropriate. We also build a 301 redirect plan to preserve SEO.
Deliverables: migration plan, redirect map, prelaunch SEO checklist. Your rankings and analytics continuity stay protected.
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Launch checklist and cutover
We coordinate a low‑risk cutover window and complete our launch checklist (DNS/SSL, caching/CDN, object cache, backups, uptime and error monitoring, analytics/pixel verification, sitemap/robots). A rollback plan is ready. We monitor closely during and after go‑live. You get real‑time updates until everything is stable.
Need hosting and edge protections dialed in? See our hosting and security solutions.
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Training and documentation
Editors and stakeholders get live training and a role‑based how‑to guide with short videos and screen captures. We document block usage, content governance tips, and key workflows so your team is ready on day one. Your team leaves confident and self‑sufficient.
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Post‑launch hardening and 30‑day optimization
We harden security (WAF/rate limiting, login protection, updates), tune performance based on real user data, address any regressions, and make quick‑win improvements. In the first 30 days, we watch Core Web Vitals, Search Console, and analytics to validate budgets and refine caching, queries, and assets. We don’t disappear after launch—we keep pushing results.
Want to map this process to your website or get a sample timeline and estimate? Let’s talk: 314-657-7421 or jc@stlcodescape.com.
Next, see how the editing experience we build makes day‑to‑day updates fast, safe, and on brand without the bloat. Or request a short live demo and we’ll show you the editor in action.
An editing experience your team will love
Publishing should feel safe and simple. Add a page, launch a campaign, update a block without worrying about breaking layouts. If your team dreads hitting Publish, we’ll fix that. Want to see it in action? Request a quick 15‑minute walkthrough and see how your content becomes reusable, on‑brand components.

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Purpose‑built blocks and patterns
We create custom Gutenberg blocks, patterns, and templates mapped to your real content. Think hero sections, stats, FAQs, product or service highlights, team cards, lead forms, and resource grids. Editors pick the right component instead of wrestling with generic builders—so content goes live faster and looks right the first time. We’ll audit your current pages and map the first wave of components with you.
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Structured fields with safeguards
Using ACF and the Block API, each block includes only the fields and design choices you need. Spacing, color, and typography are set and locked. Required fields prevent half‑finished content, and template locks keep critical layout regions intact across devices. The guardrails keep your brand tight while letting your team move confidently.
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Editor workflows that scale
Role‑based permissions ensure Authors, Editors, and Admins have the right controls. Reusable patterns keep brand consistency in a click, and synchronized updates let us improve a pattern once and roll it out everywhere. Media handling enforces sensible file sizes, automatic cropping, WebP conversion, and required alt text to keep pages fast and accessible. Prefer guardrails without handcuffs? We tailor roles, previews, and approvals to how your team actually ships content, with launch‑day training included.
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Built‑in SEO and accessibility
Inline SEO fields (titles, meta, Open Graph) live exactly where you edit. We integrate image optimization, internal link suggestions, and basic accessibility checks (contrast warnings, heading order guidance, aria/label prompts) so quality improves as you work. Fewer plugins, fewer tabs—better outcomes.
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Clear, friendly guidance
Plain‑language documentation is embedded in the editor with tooltips and example screenshots. You’ll also get a living pattern library that shows what to use and when, with do/don’t examples, short walkthrough videos, and quick‑reference checklists. We’ll onboard your team and leave behind recordings for easy refresher training.
The result: a clean, guided editor that lets anyone on your team publish confidently without sacrificing brand consistency. Ready to make publishing stress‑free? Email jc@stlcodescape.com or call 314-657-7421 for a demo or a no‑pressure sandbox. Next, see how we back that usability with measurable performance and security standards.
Performance and security: our non‑negotiables
Performance and security drive every architectural choice we make. We set measurable budgets up front, validate them in staging, and verify them with real‑user data after launch—so you get a site that feels fast, ranks better, and stays resilient. Want a quick performance/security review of your current site? Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com.
Core Web Vitals targets
- LCP under 2.5s, INP under 200ms, CLS under 0.1 on representative mid‑range devices over typical 4G networks.
- Proven with lab tests (Lighthouse, WebPageTest) and field data (CrUX, Search Console). We won’t sign off until targets are met—and if a feature threatens these budgets, we propose alternatives before launch.

Page weight and request budgets
- Initial load under 1 MB where feasible, with minimal critical requests on first paint.
- Strict control of third‑party scripts, font subsets (2–3 weights max, swap strategy), optimized hero media, and deferring anything non‑essential—so design shines without the drag.
Engineering tactics we always use
- Critical CSS and code splitting to keep the first interaction fast.
- Image optimization with responsive srcset/sizes, WebP/AVIF, and a global CDN.
- Caching strategy tailored to your stack: full‑page, object, and browser caching.
- Lazy loading for images/iframes, preconnect/dns‑prefetch for key origins, HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 where supported.
- Clean, minimal theme code and vetted plugins only. No page‑builder bloat. Every dependency is justified.
Security hardening by default
- Least‑privilege access for users and infrastructure; no shared admin accounts.
- 2FA on all admin accounts; SSO where appropriate.
- WAF/CDN protection with rate limiting and bot mitigation.
- Hardened authentication (login throttling, XML‑RPC restrictions), secure headers, HTTPS with HSTS.
- Regular core/plugin updates, dependency reviews, and code reviews before deployment. This is baseline—never an add‑on.
Backups and disaster recovery
- Automated daily backups of files and databases with offsite storage and staged retention.
- Tested restores and scripted rollback plans, including blue/green or versioned deploys for quick recovery—so issues don’t become outages.
Monitoring and response
- 24/7 uptime monitoring, performance budget alerts, and security event alerts.
- Defined runbooks and response procedures, with clear escalation paths and target response times. Ask about our support plans for the right coverage.
These standards continue after launch. Our ongoing website management keeps your site fast and secure, and we improve it month after month. Want to see what this looks like for your business? Reach out at 314-657-7421 or jc@stlcodescape.com. See how in the next section.
Ongoing website management and growth
Think of us as your web presence manager. We keep your custom WordPress site secure, fast, and evolving so it keeps earning more for your business—without you babysitting vendors. Want to hand this off? Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com and we’ll map a plan and start date.
Reliability and protection
- Core updates, plugin management, and compatibility checks are tested in staging before production, with rollback plans ready.
- 24/7 uptime, performance, and security monitoring; monthly hardening and speed improvements on your roadmap.
- Firewall and malware scanning, least‑privilege access, off‑site backups with routine restore drills.
Have an urgent security or stability concern? Reach out and we’ll stabilize first, then optimize.
Continuous content, design, and UX improvement
- Content support, component/block refinements, and UX iterations prioritized in a shared backlog (your tool or ours) with weekly or biweekly cycles.
- Small, high‑impact changes ship quickly. Larger initiatives are scoped as clear mini‑projects.
Bring us your wish list—we’ll turn it into a prioritized roadmap and start shipping in the first cycle.
Technical SEO and analytics
- Ongoing technical SEO upkeep: schema markup, redirects and canonicalization, XML sitemaps, robots directives, and crawl health fixes.
- GA4 and Search Console reviews each month to spot issues, attribute results, and adjust the roadmap—yes, we set up GA4 and tracking.
Seeing a dip after a redesign or content change? We’ll find the cause and fix it.
A/B testing and experimentation
- Structured tests for landing pages, CTAs, navigation, and messaging using privacy‑safe tools.
- Clear hypotheses, test plans, and reporting so winners stick and losers inform the next iteration.
No more guesswork—let the data decide and keep the wins.
Accessibility you can trust
- Continuous accessibility monitoring and remediation aligned to WCAG 2.2 AA.
- Automated scans plus manual spot checks for real‑world tasks: keyboard navigation, color contrast, focus order, forms, and alt text.
Inclusive by default—good for users, rankings, and legal peace of mind.
Reporting, SLAs, and communication
- Monthly report covering uptime, performance, security, SEO, and completed improvements; quarterly strategy review with a 90‑day roadmap.
- SLAs tailored to your plan: critical incidents acknowledged within 1 hour and triaged within 2; high‑priority site updates in 1–2 business days; standard backlog items in 3–5 business days.
- A dedicated point of contact who owns priorities, coordinates approvals, and keeps work moving.
No surprises—just clear priorities, fast turnarounds, and accountable ownership.
Optional add‑ons that accelerate outcomes
- AI workflow enhancements: on‑site chatbots, content briefs and outlines, support‑ticket deflection, and analytics summaries with clear governance—see our AI integrations.
- Social media management that drives sessions back to your site: content planning, creation, scheduling, engagement monitoring, and UTM tracking for clear ROI—learn about AI social media content.
Ask about bundling AI and social with your maintenance plan to amplify results.
This approach turns your website into a compounding asset. It cuts load times, improves Core Web Vitals, and lifts rankings and conversions. Want to see what that could look like for your site? Request a quick audit and roadmap at jc@stlcodescape.com or 314-657-7421. Next, see quick snapshots of those results.
Results at a glance
Here’s a quick look at what custom, performance‑first WordPress development delivers in the real world. If you recognize your situation in any of these, let’s talk about the fastest path to similar wins.
Regional home services brand (lead gen)
Problem: Mobile pages were slow and bouncy; forms underperformed.
Approach: Hand‑coded theme replacing a page builder, speed budget and Core Web Vitals tuning, streamlined form UX, schema for local services, WP Engine stack hardening.
Outcome: Mobile PageSpeed 34 → 98; LCP 5.1s → 1.7s; conversion rate +38% in 60 days; bounce rate −24%.
Timeline/complexity: 8‑week rebuild; 30+ dynamic service‑area pages.
St. Louis nonprofit (events + donations)
Problem: Staff spent ~45 minutes per event update; donation drop‑offs were high.
Approach: Custom Gutenberg blocks for events and landing pages, simplified donation flow with native validation, CRM integration and editor training.
Outcome: Admin time per event 45 min → 10 min (−78%); donation completions +21%; support tickets near zero post‑launch.
Timeline/complexity: 6‑week sprint; CRM + calendar feed integration.
B2B manufacturer (catalog site, 1,200 SKUs)
Problem: Slow faceted search and poor content discoverability hurt quote requests.
Approach: Custom taxonomy and server‑side faceted search with query caching, image and asset optimization, structured data for products.
Outcome: Search time 3.8s → 0.6s; pages/session +29%; quote requests +17%.
Timeline/complexity: 12‑week project; ERP product import and nightly sync.
WooCommerce boutique (ecommerce)
Problem: Product pages loaded slowly on mobile; checkout abandonment was high.
Approach: Code splitting and image compression, optimized cart/checkout flow, CLS fixes, lightweight tracking, and A/B‑tested UX tweaks.
Outcome: Product page load 4.2s → 1.2s; CLS 0.29 → 0.03; checkout completion +19%; revenue +26% in 90 days.
Timeline/complexity: 10‑week engagement; 40+ plugins audited, no downtime.
Want numbers like these? Get a no‑pressure site review and action plan. Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com.
Prefer to browse first? See more before/after details and full writeups at https://stlcodescape.com/work
Ready to scope your project? We can usually turn around a practical estimate within a few business days.
Next, a look at the tech stack and integrations behind these results.
Tech stack and integrations
Our builds run on a modern, proven stack designed for speed, security, and long‑term maintainability without locking you into proprietary tools. Easy for non‑technical teams. Solid for your IT standards. If you’d like a quick technical walkthrough, we’ll show you exactly how this translates into faster launches and fewer headaches.

Core platform and tooling
- WordPress 6.x with custom, hand‑coded themes and blocks for full control and longevity (no vendor lock‑in)
- PHP 8.x, modern JavaScript (ESNext), and SCSS for performance and maintainability
- Build pipeline with Vite or Webpack, dependency management via Composer and npm for reliable, repeatable releases
Development workflow
- Git‑based branching with peer code reviews so quality and knowledge stay shared—your team is welcome in the repo
- CI/CD through GitHub Actions or Bitbucket Pipelines for automated builds, tests, and deployments to staging/production (ask us for a sample workflow file)
- Containerized local development to mirror production and reduce “works on my machine” issues, speeding up onboarding
Code quality and testing
- PHPCS with WordPress Coding Standards (WPCS)
- ESLint and Prettier for consistent, readable front‑end code
- Automated testing where applicable (for example, PHPUnit, integration/visual checks) and documented release checklists to cut regression risk
Performance engineering
- Speed budgets, critical CSS, image/CDN optimization, and code splitting built in—not bolted on later
- Lighthouse and PageSpeed CI baked into the pipeline, with alignment to Core Web Vitals and real‑user monitoring (want to see a before/after report? just ask)
Integrations, data, and auth
- REST and GraphQL APIs
- CRM/marketing automation connectors (for example, HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo) with secure key management
- Site search and indexing (for example, Algolia, ElasticPress) and event/webhook patterns
- Single sign‑on (SSO) via SAML/OAuth with providers like Azure AD or Okta so users have one login everywhere
Ecommerce
- WooCommerce builds and customization tuned for conversion and scalability
- Payment gateways (for example, Stripe, Authorize.Net, PayPal, Apple Pay/Google Pay), plus tax/shipping integrations as needed
Analytics and privacy
- GA4 and Google Tag Manager implementation with a clear event taxonomy tied to your KPIs
- Consent management (for example, Cookiebot, OneTrust) and privacy‑friendly configuration (IP anonymization, region‑aware tags) so compliance and insight can coexist
Hosting, CDN, and security edge
- We work with leading managed WordPress hosts and client‑owned infrastructure and help you choose the right fit
- CDN and WAF configuration (for example, Cloudflare) with caching, image, and asset tuning
- Ongoing monitoring options for uptime, performance, and security hardening—so issues are caught before customers notice
If your team has preferred tools or vendors, we’ll meet you where you are. Want a fast compatibility check or a sample pipeline/Lighthouse report? Call 314-657-7421 or email jc@stlcodescape.com. Next up, see how our engagement models, budgets, and timelines usually shape a project from kickoff to launch.
Engagement options and timelines
Work with us the way that fits your team and goals. Tell us where you are—new build, redesign, or rescue—and we’ll right‑size the plan and budget. Want quick clarity? Schedule a short discovery call to leave with a rough timeline and ballpark.
Engagement models
- Fixed‑scope projects: Ideal for a new build or redesign. We define requirements up front, lock scope, set a fixed price and schedule, and handle additions with small change orders so nothing slips. Ask for a fast ballpark after a 20‑minute call.
- Ongoing retainers: Your web presence manager for continuous improvements, security/updates, performance monitoring, and a prioritized support queue. Flexible hour blocks that match your roadmap. Great if you want a dependable “web team” without hiring in‑house—request starter package options.
- Agency partnerships: White‑label or collaborative. We slot into your process, follow your design system and repos, join client calls as needed, and deliver clean, standards‑based WordPress code you can hand off confidently. NDA‑friendly. See how we support ad teams on our Advertising Agency page.
Typical timelines
- Marketing websites (custom theme, ~10–30 pages, custom blocks): 8–12 weeks from kickoff to launch, assuming timely content and feedback. We’ll confirm a target launch window during discovery.
- Ecommerce or integrations (WooCommerce, CRM/ERP/SSO, membership, multilingual, multisite): 12–20+ weeks depending on data complexity, third‑party access, and compliance needs. We coordinate early with vendors to de‑risk access and approvals.
Learn more about scheduling in our guide on how long a website build typically takes.
Content and migration planning
- Content responsibilities: You can write/provide content, or we can assist. We supply page outlines, content models, and editorial guidelines to keep copy, media, and SEO elements aligned. Ask for our content workbook to jump‑start writing.
- Migration: We inventory your current site, map URLs for SEO, plan redirects, and select manual vs. scripted imports. We clean up legacy content and structure everything into intuitive WordPress content types and custom blocks.
- What we’ll need: Brand assets (logos, fonts, colors), access to analytics/Tag Manager, hosting or registrar credentials (as applicable), and any third‑party platform accounts. We’ll send a secure intake checklist on day one.
Key cost drivers
You’ll receive a clear, line‑item estimate with options to phase or right‑size features to your budget.
- Feature complexity: custom post types/flows, search/filtering, calculators, quoting/booking, membership, multilingual, multisite
- Integrations: CRM/marketing automation, ERP, SSO/identity, payments, shipping/tax, PIM/DAM, analytics
- Design fidelity: number of unique templates, interaction/animation level, device breakpoints, accessibility polish
- Content volume and migration effort: page/blog counts, media handling, translations, redirect scope
- Compliance and performance targets: WCAG/ADA, privacy/consent, security hardening, Core Web Vitals budgets
- Timeline pressure: compressed schedules or after‑hours launches may require parallel tracks and added QA
Phased approaches when you need to move fast or stage budget
- MVP then iterate: Launch core pages and conversions first; schedule advanced features, integrations, or content expansions in Phase 2 and beyond.
- Template freeze: Lock the initial template set to hit the date; extend the design system and additional patterns post‑launch.
- Feature flags and soft launches: Roll out complex features gradually with monitoring and user feedback built in.
We’ll co‑create a roadmap that releases value early and minimizes risk.
If you’d like to talk through options and get a clear estimate, we’re local and easy to reach: 314-657-7421 • jc@stlcodescape.com • 2940 Melton dr, Arnold MO 63010. Prefer to see proof first? Ask for relevant examples and a quick ballpark.
Trusted by teams in St. Louis and beyond
St. Louis roots. National reach. STL CodeScape partners with growth‑minded teams across industries, from local nonprofits and manufacturers to healthcare groups, construction firms, and creative agencies that need a reliable WordPress development partner. If you need a dev team that plugs into your workflow and ships fast, secure, scalable sites, we’re ready—whether you’re starting fresh or need a build partner to bring your designs to life. Agency-friendly and white‑label when needed.
Selected clients
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Your logo here next? Let’s talk about your goals and timeline.
“In our first project together, STL CodeScape delivered a fast, clean build and collaborated like an extension of our team. Launch was smooth, and ongoing updates are proactive and painless.”
— Marketing Director, B2B manufacturer
Want a calm, on‑time launch like this? Start with a quick 15‑minute intro call.
Why our hosting, CDN, and security stack matters to you
- Managed WordPress hosting: Staging environments, automated backups, and expert support keep launches smooth and rollbacks safe—so changes don’t risk revenue.
- Global CDN and edge caching: Your pages load quickly for users everywhere, improving engagement and Core Web Vitals—without extra plugins or hacks.
- Web application firewall and threat monitoring: Real‑time protection and hardening reduce attack surface and downtime risk—keeping your team out of fire‑drill mode.
- Uptime and performance monitoring: Always‑on alerts and remediation give your team confidence without babysitting the site—issues are caught before customers notice.
Prefer to kick things off with a quick assessment? Ask for a no‑pressure site and stack review, and we’ll outline fast wins and next steps.
Get in touch
- Call: 314-657-7421
- Email: jc@stlcodescape.com
- Office: 2940 Melton Dr, Arnold, MO 63010
Have questions about timelines, budgets, or what’s included? See the FAQs below—or reach out and we’ll give you straight answers in one short call.
FAQs
Custom WordPress vs. theme/page builder—when is each right?
Choose a hand‑coded custom theme when you need top‑tier speed, a unique UX, complex features, tighter security, and long‑term scalability with clean code. A prebuilt theme or page builder can work for simple brochure sites, very tight budgets, or rush timelines without heavy customization. If you’re unsure, we’ll assess your goals and suggest the leanest, safest path—want a side‑by‑side comparison of cost, timeline, and trade‑offs? We’ll put one together.
What’s included in a build (and what’s not)?
Included:
- Technical discovery and requirements
- Information architecture guidance and UX consultation
- Custom, lightweight WordPress theme (no bloated builders)
- Custom Gutenberg blocks/patterns for safe, flexible editing
- Responsive front‑end, performance engineering, and Core Web Vitals optimization
- Accessibility built in (WCAG 2.2 AA practices)
- SEO foundations (metadata fields, schema where relevant, redirects)
- Analytics setup (GA4, basic event tracking) and privacy controls — we can set up GA4 and tracking
- Launch support, editor training, and admin documentation
- Version‑controlled code in a private repository and clear deployment steps
Not included (available as add‑ons if needed):
- Full brand design and copywriting
- Ongoing content entry beyond agreed samples
- Stock photography/video licensing
- Third‑party software fees (plugins, SaaS tools, gateways)
- Hosting fees and domain/DNS costs
Want to see a sample SOW or code snippet from past work? Just ask and we’ll share examples.
What are typical timeline ranges, and what speeds things up or slows them down?
Most marketing sites: 8–14 weeks. Ecommerce or heavy integrations: 12–20+ weeks. Faster delivery comes with a clear scope, timely feedback, and content ready early. Common delays include content rewrites, scope changes mid‑build, third‑party approvals/integrations, and long review cycles. We share a dated project plan at kickoff so you always see where we are—and if you have a hard deadline, we can propose a phased MVP to hit it. Get more detail in our post on how long a website takes to design and develop.
Who handles content and training?
You own the voice; we make publishing easy. Your team provides final copy and media (we can help with content planning and editing). We include live editor training, role‑based user setup, and short video walkthroughs you can reuse for onboarding. Need faster production? See our AI‑assisted content creation with human editing.
Where should we host, and how do you work with our IT team?
We often recommend managed WordPress hosts (WP Engine, Kinsta, Pantheon) for performance, security, and backups. We’re also happy to deploy to your environment and coordinate with IT on SSO, firewalls, DNS, CDN, caching, and launch windows. We can manage DNS cutover or provide exact records for your team. Not sure if you should switch hosts? Explore our web hosting and maintenance options, and we’ll outline expected performance gains and costs.
What do your maintenance/retainer options cover?
We offer flexible plans that typically include:
- Core, plugin, and PHP updates with pre‑deployment testing
- Uptime/security monitoring and vulnerability patching
- Performance audits and iterative speed improvements
- Accessibility and SEO housekeeping
- Error/bug fixes and a monthly bucket of small enhancements
- Monthly reporting and a prioritized request queue
We can also bundle content support, A/B testing, and analytics enhancements. Tell us your goals and we’ll right‑size a plan that fits your pace and budget—see plans and coverage.
How do you approach accessibility and compliance?
Accessibility is built in, not bolted on. We follow WCAG 2.2 AA with semantic HTML, proper landmarks, keyboard navigation, focus management, color contrast, alt text workflows, form labeling, and media captions. We test with automated tools (axe, Lighthouse) and manual reviews (keyboard‑only, screen readers like NVDA/VoiceOver). We can provide a conformance statement and a remediation plan if you’re modernizing legacy content.
Can you handle ecommerce, integrations, and migrations?
Yes. We build WooCommerce stores (including subscriptions, complex catalogs, taxes/shipping) and integrate with CRMs (HubSpot, Salesforce), marketing platforms (Klaviyo, Mailchimp), SSO/IdP, ERPs, and automation tools (Zapier/Make). For migrations (WordPress or other CMSs), we plan redirects, map fields (for example, ACF), preserve SEO, and move media safely, often in staged batches to reduce risk. See how we connect systems with business process automation.
Who owns the code, and do you offer a warranty?
You own the custom code we create for your project. Third‑party libraries/plugins remain under their licenses. We deliver everything in a private repository and provide deployment instructions. Post‑launch, we include a 60‑day warranty for defects tied to the project scope; ongoing changes and new features are handled through a support plan or separate SOW. Prefer true set‑and‑forget? Ask about our care plans.
Have a question not covered or want a quick ballpark? Email jc@stlcodescape.com, call 314-657-7421, or stop by 2940 Melton Dr, Arnold, MO 63010. Let’s talk about what you’re building and the simplest way to get there.
Ready to build something that performs?
Let’s build a custom, high‑performance WordPress site that matches your brand, loads fast, and keeps getting better. No bloated themes—just clean, scalable code engineered to pass Core Web Vitals and typically load in under two seconds on 4G. Security hardening and ongoing management keep your site stable, secure, and improving month after month.
Book a 20‑minute consultation to get a clear plan. In that call, we’ll:
- Review your goals and must‑haves
- Run a quick technical/performance check
- Outline timeline, budget ranges, and immediate first wins
Prefer email or phone? Drop us a line at jc@stlcodescape.com or call 314-657-7421. Branding agency looking for a flexible dev partner? We collaborate, too.
Want to see what this looks like in practice? Explore our work: https://stlcodescape.com/work